A group of youngsters from Darlington and County Durham are set to earn their wings with a taste of life in the Parachute Regiment.

A group of youngsters from Darlington and County Durham are set to earn their wings with a taste of life in the Parachute Regiment.

The 40 15-to-18-year-olds were picked from 250 applicants for the five-day activity course run by the Paras in Aldershot and the Durham Agency Against Crime.

Teachers were asked to nominate youngsters they felt would benefit from next week's Look At Life course, with candidates having to demonstrate they are drug and crime-free.

Activities will include leadership skills, first aid, living in the field, physical training, night exercises and cooking. And it is no picnic, with reveille at 6am.

PC Mary Atkin, of the Durham Agency Against Crime, said: "They will be taking part in activities designed to build confidence, self-esteem and social skills and, hopefully, they will be less likely to become involved in crime and anti-social behaviour."